About the Opportunity
The Cullman Child Development Center is excited to open a new location at the Harrison House Childcare Center in Cooperstown in Fall2026. With an established center in Sidney, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a high-quality early childhood educationenvironment. We are currently hiring Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers for both locations.
Whether you are an experienced early childhood educator or looking to begin your career working with young children, we offer asupportive environment with opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and educational growth. Interviews will be conductedthroughout Summer and Fall 2026.
Position Overview
The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for an assigned group of children (Infant, Toddler, or Preschool, depending on placement). This role provides leadership within theclassroom, supervises Assistant Teachers, and partners closely with families to support children's growth and development.
The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing classroom environment. This role is anexcellent entry point into early childhood education and offers opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and advancement into aLead Teacher position.
Key Responsibilities For All Teaching Staff
- Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment
- Ensure children's health, safety, and well-being at all times
- Maintain required NYS OCFS staff-to-child ratios
- Support positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior management practices
- Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development activities
- Assist with classroom setup, materials, and routines, particularly during the center's opening phase
- Collaborate with colleagues to support children's learning and development
Additional Responsibilities for Lead Teachers
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with NYS Early Learning Guidelines
- Supervise, mentor, and support Assistant Teachers
- Observe and document children's development and progress
- Conduct family conferences and communicate regularly with families
- Maintain attendance, health, incident, and classroom records as required by OCFS
- Lead classroom planning and curriculum development
Additional Responsibilities for Assistant Teachers
- Assist with daily lesson implementation and classroom activities
- Support feeding, diapering/toileting, napping, and daily care routines as age-appropriate
- Help prepare classroom materials and activity areas
- Communicate with families alongside the Lead Teacher regarding children's daily experiences and needs
Qualifications
Lead Teacher Qualifications
Applicants must meet NYS OCFS qualification requirements for an Infant/Toddler or Preschool Group Teacher under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1. Qualifications generally include:
- CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential, OR
- OCFS-recognized Early Childhood Certificate Program, OR
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, OR
- Equivalent approved coursework and experience
Preferred:
- Prior Lead Teacher or significant Assistant Teacher experience in a licensed childcare program
- Strong understanding of child development and classroom management practices
Assistant Teacher Qualifications
Applicants must meet NYS OCFS minimum qualification requirements for an Assistant Teacher under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1, generally including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Required OCFS-approved training
Preferred:
- CDA Credential, Early Childhood coursework, or participation in an Early Childhood Certificate Program
- Experience working with children in childcare, camp, educational, or related settings
- Willingness to pursue a CDA or related credential with support from the center
Additional Qualifications for All Candidates
- Current or ability to obtain OCFS-required Health and Safety Training
- Current or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification
- Successful completion of fingerprinting and Statewide Central Register clearance requirements
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Patience, reliability, and enthusiasm for working with young children
Bonus Qualifications
- Medical experience or coursework (CNA, EMT, nursing student, or related healthcare background)
- Experience supporting infant and child health needs
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
- Ability to sit, stand, kneel, bend, and move quickly to respond to children's needs throughout the day
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to help shape a brand-new childcare center
- Support for continuing education and professional development
- Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
- Opportunities for career advancement and leadership growth
- Competitive pay and benefits
Interested? Apply online https://www.cullmancenter.org/work-for-us/
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
